Edward Dayes (1763-1804) was one of the most respected watercolourists of the 18th century. He taught the artist Thomas Girtin (1775-1802) and also influenced Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851).

His watercolour technique was typical of the later 18th century. After making a careful outline drawing in pen and ink, he would apply grey-blue washes with his brush. He would then use the colours to finish the painting. Here Dayes shows a magnificent building that is upstaged by the figures in front of it. In this he was challenging such artists as Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827).

The architect John Nash (1752-1835) altered and enlarged Buckingham House in the mid 1820s for George IV. It then became known as Buckingham Palace.